Mortorcyclists warned to be careful
MOTORCYCLISTS across Suffolk have been urged to stay safe on the county's roads following a spate of fatal and serious collisions this year. Eight motorcyclists have died in road traffic collisions in 2009, which is just under a third of all fatalities on Suffolk's roads this year, and this is already an increase on the seven motorcyclists who were killed on the county's roads in 2008.
MOTORCYCLISTS across Suffolk have been urged to stay safe on the county's roads following a spate of fatal and serious collisions this year.
Eight motorcyclists have died in road traffic collisions in 2009, which is just under a third of all fatalities on Suffolk's roads this year, and this is already an increase on the seven motorcyclists who were killed on the county's roads in 2008.
And this week police sent out a warning to motorcyclists to be “extra careful,” especially if they are not regular riders.
With the five most common factors in road accidents that involve injury to motorcyclists, as listed by The Department of Transport, are failing to look properly, loss of control, failing to judge the other person's path or speed, careless, reckless riding and poor turn or manoeuvre.
Throughout August police have introduced 'Motorcycle Sundays' where police motorcyclists patrol Suffolk's roads, engaging with other motorcyclists in order to remind and educate them of the importance of safe riding.
Chief Inspector Mike Bacon from the Roads Policing Unit said: “There have been a number of motorcycle collisions this year and despite the fact that motorcyclists make up just a fraction of Suffolk's road users, they have been involved in around a third of all fatal collisions.
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“Raising awareness of motorcycling and its hazards is incredibly important and reducing the number of collisions in the county is a key priority for Suffolk Police and its road safety partners.
“If you're a motorcyclist taking to the roads please make sure that your bike is well maintained, you are wearing the appropriate clothing and remember stay safe - always ride defensively, concentrate and anticipate the errors of other road users,” he added.
Police have also been running Bikesafe workshops in conjunction with Suffolk Constabulary, which is a nationally recognised police-run biking initiative that aims to improve rider awareness and rider ability.
With one workshop left to attend this year on September 4 and 5, the sessions cover Friday evening from 7pm and a 9am start on the Saturday.
For further information on Bikesafe workshops, telephone 01473 613724 or email bikesafe@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.
